What to Expect

What is Mass like at St. Joe’s? We have Masses all week long, and they all have their own feel. Weekend Masses are followed by a time of fellowship with coffee and doughnut holes in Marian Hall (across the hall from the main church doors).

Daily Mass Daily Masses are generally quiet and reverent, unless it’s on a Friday during the school year... On Friday Masses from mid-September through the beginning of June we are joined by the students of St. Joseph School (grades preK–8). These Masses use the children’s version of the readings and the Gospel and are especially joyful, as the students LOVE to raise their voices in song!

Weekend Mass Saturday afternoon Masses have a varied crowd, from busy sports families to senior citizens. We currently do not offer hospitality after this Mass because it lets out so close to dinnertime. Our “early riser’s” Mass on Sunday (7:30 a.m.) is the quietest of the Sunday Masses – a good place for introspective folks to pray. On Sundays at 9:00 a.m. our adult choir leads us in song. This Mass has a more traditional feel because of the choir and is a little busier than the 7:30 a.m. Mass. The Sunday Mass at 10:45 a.m. is our most-attended Mass and is popular with young families. We generally have a contemporary group play the music for this Mass. The 12:30 p.m. Mass is a laid back crowd and the music is lead by a folk guitar group.

Sunday Preschool & Children’s Liturgy of the Word Children in Preschool (ages 3-4) or Kindergarten have the opportunity to attend Sunday preschool from October through April at the 10:45 a.m. Mass. For Children’s Liturgy of the Word (9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Masses only), the presider will call children (1st grade – 5th grade) forward for a blessing just before the readings. The children’s Lector leads them to a meeting room. The Lector reads the Gospel and gives a short homily. The children are led in the Creed and Prayers of the Faithful and then return to Mass during the Offertory.

About the Catholic Mass The Catholic Mass is a very participatory event. There are many times when the congregation will recite prayers, sing/speak responses, stand, kneel or sit, all together. Below is a general outline of the order of the Mass.
Download a printable guide to prayers and responses here. To learn why Catholics do what they do,
read here. For a deeper explanation of the Mass parts, watch the videos below.